Commentary
Dandy Day Recap
Reginald F. Lewis’ Dandy Day was awesome! I had the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances, network with fellow bloggers like Jann’l from Girls of Plenty, and check out items from vintage boutiques such as Zulu Gypsy. It was nice to see Nontsikelelo “Lolo” Veleko’s, Jati Lindsay’s and Kia Chenelle’s photographs in person and to be introduced to the work of Iké Udé. Hearing Shantrelle P. Lewis as well several contributors speak about what Dandy Lion means to them, made the day all the more special. Commendations go to Shantrelle P. Lewis, the contributing artists, boutiques, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for putting together a beautiful event and beautiful exhibits. Please excuse the horrible pics taken with my cellphone.
The “African” Fashion Trend From Two Different Perspectives
Lucy Hutchings offers a minimal and generic overview of the 2012 “African” fashion trend for British Vogue. Ms. Hutchings starts her article with: “When thoughts turn to summer, the sun-drenched plains of Africa are never far from designers’ minds. Traditional references continue to inspire.” Continue reading… She fails to identify the “references” and relies on cliches such as safari suiting and animal prints to define “African” fashion. Arise Magazine Features Editor Hannah Pool has heard, read, and seen it all before. She delves deeper into what is African fashion in an article for The Guardian. Dear Fashion: Africa is a continent, not a country. Can you imagine anyone describing a fashion trend as ‘European’-inspired? Of course not. It’s meaningless, because despite the globalisation of the industry, French style still differs from Italian, which is noticeably different from British. LA street style varies from New York; London from Liverpool. The same is true across Africa. Nigerian fabrics, patterns and influences are different to those of Ethiopia; South African fashion heritage does not call on the same references as Somali. Continue reading… Ms. Pool hits the nail on the head, but her cries will most likely fall on deaf ears.
African Prints in High Fashion
NPR host Michel Martin sat down with style writer Robin Givhan and MyAsho.com owner Dolapo Shobanjo to discuss the use of African prints in high fashion. Click here to read the transcript and/or listen to the broadcast Above: Lady Gaga in Burberry Prorsum
Ghetto Glam Nigerian Style
CNN.com recently published an article about the charitable fashion label Kinabuti. Founded in 2010, the Italian designer and owner of the label, Caterina Bortolussi, said she wanted to bring glamor to Nigeria’s ghettos. Kinabuti’s mission is to use “fashion and art to promote creativity in order to help them (?) develop new skills and improve their working and living conditions.” Thoughts?
The Sartorialist in South Africa
The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, was in South Africa towards the end of last month for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa. According to the WWD he disappointed many of his South Africans fans by taking pictures of South Africans in inner city settings (blacks?) instead of more affluent (white?) South Africans. When presented with this information, Mr. Schuman responded: “Really, they’re moaning? They’re mad? Why? Well, I would say that the people who do dress in that other way [in designer labels], they’ve just got to bring their game on.” Its not what you wear, its how you wear it; and the South Africans featured on thesartorialist.com where beautifully stylish.
13. November 2012 by Jenna
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